NorthSideSox72

QUOTE(Alpha Dog @ Jan 12, 2007 -> 11:04 PM) Hey, how about that positive thing in raising the minimum wage for all! Oops! I guess they left some people out. Seems a major business in Pelosi's distric gets an exemption from the minimum wage bill. Meet the new boss, same as the old boss. So... minimum wage protections are extended to the Marianas, along with the boost for all 50 states, but they didn't add Samoa. Yeah, that sounds about right - the Dems are doing some good, but the leaders of the march (Reid and Pelosi) still want their slice of the pie. This is exactly what I have been trying to point out - the Dems are doing a lot of good, but like many politicians in both parties, they still want to take their piece. But at least the Dems are taking 51 steps forward, in addition to 1 step back.

QUOTE(CWSGuy406 @ Jan 11, 2007 -> 08:18 PM) He hasn't been younger than his peers. In 'prospect' terms, he's been older than his peers. Before the Sox even break for Spring Training in 2007, Owens will already be 26 years old. A 26 year old who hasn't even mastered AAA yet is in no way a prospect. You also have to look at ceilings. If EVERYTHING broke right for Owens, what type of player do you think he could be? He has absolutely no power (career .368 minor league SLG%), and I doubt he's ever going to gain any power. He can't play CF on a daily basis, so he's designated to a corner OF spot -- the lack of power is now magnified. If everything broke right, I'm thinking he could be a Scott Podsednik (not counting 2003, as Owens will never touch a .400 slugging percentage in any significant amount of ABs) type player, ie .290/.350/.350. If that's your ceiling, you aren't much of a prospect. More likely, you're probably looking at an okay fourth OFer, but not somebody you want EVER starting for you. It's funny... I was the one who adopted Jerry Owens in the AAP. Heh... This is one of those discussion where I don't think I'll ever be able to put into the correct words what I am getting at. I give!!!!! Anyway, like I said, I'll take others' word for his skills. I'll just say I think he might surprise some of you.

QUOTE(Tony82087 @ Jan 12, 2007 -> 04:51 PM) BTW, 39 on the active roster now, correct? *insert ominous background music*

QUOTE(shipps @ Jan 12, 2007 -> 07:16 AM) After years of experience ,not so much with myself but family and friends a .08 doesnt have you swirving all over the road.I will give you that it can have an effect on a milla second decision,maybe it was just the grace of God that none of my friends and family have been hurt with a couple cocktails in them. a "couple cocktails" during a few hour event will not cause a .08 unless you are Kate Moss and haven't eaten all day. To blow worse than .08, as a general guideline (there is no hard and fast rule), you need to be averaging 1.5 drinks per hour or more, as I recall. So, in a 4 hour evening gathering, you'd need to have 6 drinks to be .08. That, I guarantee you, slows your reaction time and reflexes. QUOTE(redandwhite @ Jan 12, 2007 -> 09:14 AM) If breathalyzers were cheaper, I think most (if not all) would bring them out to the bars with them. It would be pretty cool for bars to have them. Some idiot might use it as a challenge, but more people might be convinced to take a cab home. But, since bars have no direct liability for DUI's leaving their bar, there is no motivation to spend the money. If some locality or state though, made a connection with liquor licensure and regular, habitual DUI problems (i.e. not renewing the licenses for "problem" bars), that might change.

QUOTE(TheOcho @ Jan 12, 2007 -> 04:32 PM) As mentioned before we have enough pitchers for another team... I love the depth we have in the minors etc. but uhh... what about position players? Last time I checked we have virtually no one at SS or 2nd... In the current market, SS and 2B are relatively much cheaper than pitchers. Therefore, stockpile young pitchers while they are affordable. KW's theme continues. Also, the more we make moves like this, the more I think we may still trade for a LF, SS or even CF before April 1st.

QUOTE(hammerhead johnson @ Jan 12, 2007 -> 12:11 PM) Seriously though, maybe it's because you guys don't like women? I'm just trying to come up with a reason for the insanity... Natalie Portman is "extraordinarily ugly". Gold, Jerry. Gold!

QUOTE(Balta1701 @ Jan 12, 2007 -> 12:16 PM) Yesterday, Harry Reid surprised a few folks by suddenly launching a tough fight for a watered-down version of the ethics reform legislation in the Senate. The original plan as I understood it was to pass a rule similar to the one in the House, forcing the Government to acknowledge who was asking for and getting what earmarks. Reid suddenly came in yesterday and threw his weight behind a version that would still allow significant quantities of earmarks to go un-sourced. Happily, it appears that Reid has lost this fight, and the tougher rules will prevail. Harry, we're watching you, stop the B.S. Reid was sooooooooo the wrong choice for the Dems to lead the Senate.

QUOTE(southsider2k5 @ Jan 12, 2007 -> 08:02 AM) So wait, we are not supposed to read into the parties actions anymore? I get to read crap on here such as conspiracies involving Bush manipulating world oil prices for reelection, and I am not supposed to speculate on why the Dems are doing the stuff they are doing? Please. Not what I meant either. Honestly, I am just annoyed with the fact that some people's fears rule their views so fully that they cannot accept any positive from one party, or any negative from the other. That mentality bothers me. I am sure I did not state this very well.

QUOTE(Balta1701 @ Jan 12, 2007 -> 03:14 PM) Immigrant Labor. It all comes so clear. Customers pay pesos, store pays cash to employees in pesos, who bring pesos back to Mexico. No more need for the cost of currency conversion. This pizza joint has an idea...

QUOTE(kapkomet @ Jan 12, 2007 -> 02:35 PM) Harry Reid was quoted in an article in the Wall Street Journal yesterday that on December 17, 2006 he said he supported a "troop surge". I read it last night. I don't have the link in front of me, but the point of the article is these assholes (including Bush to an extent) playing politics with the efforts over there. Rex, for the most part, I agree with your post. I think there are some "thresholds" or "benchmarks" that are not being made public that have been given to Iraq. I also think that GWB has pretty much told the Iraqi PM that this is the last time we will watch our efforts of securing the neighborhoods go by the wayside by letting the insurgency run rampant right afterwards. Reid is an a**. Not much else to say about him. Please note that I was a poster who, about a year ago, thought that a troop surge was one possible option that was better than the current situation. But, I meant a HUGE surge, like doubling it, if that was even possible. Otherwise, its pointless. Now though, even 250k troops I think is not the best option. Better than today, but not the best.

QUOTE(jasonxctf @ Jan 12, 2007 -> 11:52 AM) maybe its because i'm a no-good city slicker, but does this make sense to anyone else??? http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070112/ap_on_re_us/wolf_hunting In Idaho, ranchers and farmers have quite a sway. And despite the fact that they are compensated (usually higher than market) for their losses, they have always been angry with the wolf reintroduction program. Hopefully some level of federal protection remains. The Idaho packs are a key link for wolves moving south along the Rockies.

QUOTE(Chisoxfn @ Jan 10, 2007 -> 05:27 PM) The thing is, Jordan was not a good athlete baseball wise. Baseball athletism is different than other sports. It factors in having a rocket arm (bball players don't need that), great speed, tremendous power (bball players don't need this and this doesn't necessarily coincide with being strong, just look at Soriano who I'm sure is strong, but not near as strong as other guys, but he has tremendous power due to the swing speed and flat out mechanics of his swing). Jerry Owens has a piss poor arm, absolutely zero power. Basically he has good speed. Thats not what I call being an athlete in baseball. He is getting by because he's a decent player in the minor leagues (and there are zillions of those guys at every level and very few will ever play in the majors). The guy is absolutely nothing special and the only way for him to be special is if he ends up developing an absolutely beautiful swing and hitting for a high average. Now, Vladdy Guerro in the minors is what I'd call an athlete. Or Felix Pie (even though he's a bit over-rated). You are talking about guys whose stats may not stand out as they are getting by on athletism, but they have every single tool in the books (and you just have to hope that they will develop the baseball skills to put those tools to full use). Jerry Owens has one tool and one tool players rarely have success at the major league level (sometimes if your that good defensively at a position where defense is a major need...SS/C/CF or if you can hit 50 HR's, you will find a way to start or get a significant role playing job but otherwise you are pretty much screwed). Most teams have little desire for a fast backup outfielder that can't play any defense or hit (especially when his base running abilities are average at best which negatively impact his one tool). I hate to be overly harsh NS, but I think you are completely off on Owens and he's probably the one player I target more than anyone because I see too many people think he has this amazing skill set when in reality it couldn't be further from the truth (it was like people thinking highly of a kid named Miller because BA said he threw easy heat...turns out BA was full of crap and the guy topped out at 88-90 and eventually faded away). Two things. One, you may be very right about Owens. I have a good feeling, but I am not the expert that you or others are on baseball. So we'll see. But I have no argument with any of the things you say about Owens' SKILLS. You are much more likely to be right than I am. That brings me to point two. I have a different opinion of the term "athlete" than you do. Let me explain. MJ is a phenomenal athlete, and it has zero to do with baseball, basketball or any other SINGLE sport or activity. Being a great athlete means he is fast, has quick reflexes, is strong, and has a head for spatial relations and other sports-related mental skills - all at an extremely high level. That is what makes a great athlete. Those people can walk into most or all sports, and with little or no training, perform at a decent level (though maybe not dominant). With practice and more practice, and maybe some coaching, they can then become stars at the sport of their choice. What you are talking about when you refer to throwing hard/far, or hitting, or getting jumps on fly balls... those are individual SKILLS. Owens obviously lacks in some of those skills. But, if you look at his history even before the minors, with a very small amount of experience, he has already moved up very fast. This despite being younger and less experienced than his peers. That, to me, indicates some combination of athleticism and hard work. Now, the athleticism will only carry him so far - he needs to hone specific skills (built on athletic talent) to compete at the MLB level. Will he, or can he? Hard to say. Do you see what I mean? MJ is a superb athlete regardless of sport. Owens seems to be a very good athlete as well. MJ didn't do well in his short baseball experiment, though he MAY have excelled with time. Owens? Not as great an athlete, but still a great one, and he may be no better than a minor leaguer. But that doesn't dismiss his talent. You and I just see athleticism and skills differently.

QUOTE(mr_genius @ Jan 11, 2007 -> 05:44 PM) good call almost exact thing i posted about has happened before with democrats. if you agree with raising taxes to cut the deficit, thats fine. no need to insult posters accusing them of mass paranoia. I do apologize if that was insulting - not my intent. What I am saying is, the Dems have so far talked nothing about raising taxes, and only hinted at reversing Bush's cuts. And the way some people are talking, its as if we are all going to get a big old bill to pay for a bunch of new programs. In reality, the Dems passed PAYGO legislation in the House, forcing some degree of fiscal responsibility. I just wish people would acknowledge the reality that SO FAR, the Dems have only done POSITIVE things in regards to financial and tax issues. Instead of pointing at all the supposed negative things they MIGHT do.

QUOTE(kapkomet @ Jan 11, 2007 -> 06:51 PM) Look, people. THIS IS NOT ABOUT GEORGE BUSH, HARRY REID, NANCY PELOSI or ANY of these f***tard politicians! We HAVE to win this war. I don't care what the reasons for starting it was, I don't care anything else... but now that we are there, Somolia was a walk in the park compared to what will happen. Furthermore, we will HAVE to go back in to the region 5-10 years from now on what will be the bloodiest war this world has ever seen if we don't keep what balance we have now, even as fragmented as it is. These political hacks from BOTH sides need to shut the f*** up and figure out how to get this done. PERIOD. Bush put forward a plan, now either try it, come up with something better, OR SHUT THE f*** UP. Look people. We started beating up this helpless slob who was threatening us in the pub, and we can't give up now. No no, we can't leave it be and go home. We need to WIN. We need to beat this guy to a bloody pulp, otherwise, we'll just have to come back into this bar again next week and get into another bloody fight! I'm sorry, but... no.

QUOTE(santo=dorf @ Jan 11, 2007 -> 04:19 PM) How many people making minimum wage or around it live in section 8 housing or use link cards? They shouldn't get COLA if they're getting a price break on rent and food. Elaborate, please. I see no connection between a cost of living adjustment pegged to inflation (vis a vis the cost of goods), and whether or not they receive assistance. QUOTE(kapkomet @ Jan 11, 2007 -> 04:30 PM) That's a thought I hadn't even gone down... a lot of people CHOOSE to stay where they are in wage brackets, etc. so they can get handouts. Handout? Minimum wage doesn't mean wage everyone earns for breathing. It means minimum wage for working. How on earth is that a hand-out? And I doubt that there is any incentive in housing, transit or free lunches large enough to motivate people to live in poverty. That just doesnt make any sense.

So, Senator Chuck Hagel calls this surge/escalation/augmentation one of the biggest foreign policy blunders since Vietnam. Sort of strident, but maybe true. Then Senator Reid, our new Senate majority leader, making an ass of himself again, says nay, its the biggest blunder in our nation's history. I intensely dislike Reid. I really do. Making outrageous statements like that is no better than Bush's brainless cowboy crap.

QUOTE(LosMediasBlancas @ Jan 11, 2007 -> 05:03 PM) We own a couple of places and plan to just sit on them until it makes sense to sell. A lot of people around here have been telling us that the next big boom will be in New Mexico. I plan to take a road trip there in the summer, maybe buy a few acres out in the middle of frickin' nowhere then wait 10 years to see what happens. PM me. I am headed out there later this month to buy some forested open land, on a mountain in NM. I've done a ton of research I'd be happy to share.

QUOTE(kapkomet @ Jan 11, 2007 -> 02:59 PM) It's the wrong way to say it, but the market will recover and go up from here, even if it goes lower before coming back up. It's just a matter of time. Of course, thing with futures is, you have to think future of the future. I'd have to go look at the current prices, but I'd be some people have already bought into this very thing, so there may not be enough play in there. Interesting opportunity, though, potentially.

QUOTE(southsider2k5 @ Jan 11, 2007 -> 02:35 PM) I'd argue Raines deserves in for sure... other than that, there isn't a HOFer in the bunch. Oh come on... Shawon Dunston? That dude has Hall of Fame written all over him.

QUOTE(kapkomet @ Jan 11, 2007 -> 02:01 PM) It only takes one bomb or hurricane. I have been playing around with stocks, ETFs and funds for years. And I work closely with the futures industry. So its been very tempting to open a futures trading account. Then again, being close to that crowd, I am very aware of the virtually infinite level of risk involved. If anyone here has ever done it, and if you know a good firm to work with for a very small-time trader, let me know.

QUOTE(kapkomet @ Jan 11, 2007 -> 02:00 PM) If a mistake was made, (which there was, duh), IMO this speech should have been January 10, 2006 instead of last night. The cards needed to be played long before now. Having said that, a lot of Democrats and Republicans were saying as late as August that we would be drawing down troops, because even according to Congressional visits this time last year, "it was getting better". I don't know about politicians, but the people I know that are journalists or soliders who have spent time in Iraq haven't seen things going even remotely well since a month or two after it all started. And it certainly isn't getting better. I guess I have trusted their judgement, as well as the studies published on crime and death rates, more than I have the word of any politician.

I see three options for Juan... A. 15 to life B. He has to go back and forth twice a month, and is highly erratic, playing only two thirds of the time: .240/15/50 in 110 games. Worst defensive season in his career as well. C. He is finally released from charges, and plays good and angry: .268/25/80, but his defense slips a bit.

QUOTE(southsider2k5 @ Jan 11, 2007 -> 01:41 PM) Crude was down another $2 per barrel today on reports that dispite the "cuts" OPEC production is actually up. Crude looks to be settling about $52, with gasoline breeching the $1.40 mark, settling in the area of 1.3900 If I had a futures account, I'd be going long LSC in the later months of 2007. Big time.

QUOTE(kapkomet @ Jan 11, 2007 -> 01:00 PM) So Balta, let me get this accurate. Let's "talk" to Iran and Syria, both of whom want to destroy everything we stand for. Let's "talk" to Iran, who openly says they want nuclear weapons. Let's "talk" to all these people who don't give a rat's ass about how we live in a free society when they oppress and kill their own people who dare have disagreements with their philosophical points of view. Let's "talk" to people who say the holocaust never existed. YEA! Let's BE NICE! :) Please. Let's also ask the question another way. Semantics aside, how come we never see a poll from CBS asking "do you want to win the war in Iraq"? I bet that answer is a resounding yes. But we can't show THAT in the arena of public opinion, now can we? It IS a surge, because as the president said, none of this is a blank check for an unlimited period of time. Somehow, you don't want to ever listen to that, do you? So, do YOU want to win the war in Iraq? (waiting for the quibble of "what's winning"?) - and yes, I have an answer, and so did the president last night, if you wanted to listen to it. Most of you do not want to listen to it, because you don't agree with what "winning" is. A poll asking "do you want to win the war in Iraq"? No one has had that poll because the answer is patently obvious. If the options are YES or NO, the answer will overwhelmingly be YES. Unfortunately, that would say nothing at all about the reality of the situation, or the reality that other more logical polls have shown - that people are tired of the direction of the war and of being lied to about everything about it by our government.

QUOTE(southsider2k5 @ Jan 11, 2007 -> 11:02 AM) Any of the ones who have gone to ultra-skinny. Ribs are not sexy, unless they are covered in BBQ sauce. +1 I also don't get Angelina Jolie. I mean, I'm all for sexy lips, but those life rafts aren't sexy - they have their own gravity. Too much of a good thing, like Dolly Parton's chest.